UK oilseed rape (OSR) yields in 2025 are set to surpass the long-standing record of 3.91 t/ha, set back in 2011, and could even break through the 4 t/ha barrier.

United Oilseeds predicts an average yield in the range of 3.95 to 4 t/ha, driven by improved genetics, a season of favourable weather and reduced cabbage stem flea beetle pressure.

The company described the increase in productivity as remarkable, pointing out that while the long-term average of 3.11 t/ha would have produced around 700,000 tonnes across the UK’s 227,000ha harvested area, the 4 t/ha figure would take it to almost 900,000 tonnes. The extra 200,000 tonnes would be worth nearly £100 million in additional GDP, said United Oilseeds.

It also pointed to a number of ‘knock-on benefits, associated with the extra productivity:

  •  Haulage: 200,000 tonnes is almost 7,000 extra lorry journeys, worth another £3 million to UK hauliers.
  • Jobs and services: More tractor movements and more grain to store, sample, insure, and trade, resulting in work for truck drivers, lab technicians, merchants, brokers and processors.
  • Industry levies: More tonnage means more AHDB funding for research and industry development such as the new CSFB Research+ project.

The OSR Reboot campaign, led by United Oilseeds, aims to unite the industry to rebuild the UK’s only homegrown source of both vegetable oil and high-protein animal feed to support economic growth, food security and countrywide biodiversity.

James Warner, managing director of United Oilseeds, said: “Our members are delighted to see yields lift this year, with the benefits of the OSR Reboot work now coming through.

For those prepared to give the crop the focus it deserves, oilseed rape continues to prove why so many still regard it as the number one break crop. Lower flea beetle pressure, favourable growing conditions and major advances from seed breeders have all played their part. We’re optimistic that this will encourage more growers to bring OSR back into their plans for the season ahead.”

The Reboot campaign is based on three ‘pillars’ which focus on food security, economic growth and reversing biodiversity decline.

United Oilseeds added that with farmgate OSR prices holding steady in the £370 to £420 per tonne range and other commodity prices remaining flat, it was likely to be the top gross-margin crop on many arable farms in 2025.

The company pointed out: “On a yield of 4 t/ha at £400/t, OSR revenue hits £1,600/ha. Even accounting for higher variable costs, gross margins north of £1,000/ha are achievable, comfortably outpacing many wheat budgets this season.”

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